Current News

by Devon Green, VAHHS Vice President of Government Relations Everything about the legislature has changed, but one thing remains the same—just when it seemed impossible for all the necessary bills to pass before “leaving town,” it all came together, including a $275 million package for Vermont’s health care providers and an extension on COVID-19 regulatory flexibilities. The legislature has adjourned for now, but they will be back in August to pass the remaining three quarters of the FY 2021 budget and examine and adjust the disbursement of Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF).

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health on Sunday reported that the state has reached 1,202 cases of COVID-19. However, there are only 11 new cases since Thursday and no deaths, which remain at 56. Health Commissioner Dr Levine is encouraging Vermonters to “manage your exposure budget,” meaning using common sense to decide how much risk you’re taking on in your daily activities.

Leonine Public Affairs The Vermont Legislature spent long hours every day last week working to finalize tax and spending bills for the first quarter of FY21 and allocate hundreds of millions of dollars received from the federal government and placed in the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF). The Senate authorized almost $100 million in “Phase II” CRF spending for Vermont businesses and nonprofit organizations. This follows $70 million authorized in “Phase I” a few weeks ago. The Senate also authorized over $60 million in relief funding for housing which follows $23 million in housing grants in Phase I.

Agency of Commerce & Community Development On Monday, June 29, 2020 at 9 am, the Addison County Economic Development Corporation and the Addison County Chamber of Commerce will host a free webinar with local and state experts to explain the status and breadth of recovery funding programs and other resources for Vermont businesses. Also, see full new guidance on re-opening of the economy.

Vermont Business Magazine As required by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), nearly 1,000 television stations nationwide have or will be transitioning to new frequencies in phases through July 2020. The current and final transition phase includes four local TV stations in the Burlington-Plattsburgh area. Viewers in the Burlington-Plattsburgh area who watch over-the-air television with an antenna will need to re-scan their TV to continue receiving these local channels. These include ABC 22, Fox 44, and two of the Vermont PBS stations.

The reason why television stations are changing frequencies is to make room for new 5G and other mobile broadband services. Nationwide, millions of US households watch national network and local TV programming using an over-the-air antenna. Cable and satellite subscribers aren’t affected by these changes.

by Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos The COVID-19 health crisis has challenged so many aspects of our society, from our Main Street businesses to our health care facilities. Our elections are not immune. As we approach both the August 11th primary and November 3rd General Election, there are two goals driving our decision-making: Protecting Vermonters right to cast a ballot, and; Protecting the health and safety of voters, town clerks and poll-workers.

Prestigious Awards Include First-Ever Prize for Poetry and Are Collaboration Between GMP and Vermont Magazine to Honor Writing About Vermont

Vermont Business Magazine Green Mountain Power (GMP) and Vermont Magazine announced Erica Walch of Newfane and Mark Creaven of West Glover are the 2020 winners of the Vermont Writers’ Prize – Walch for her short story, “The Key Word,” and Creaven for his poem, “Time in Vermont.” Both works appear in the Summer issue of Vermont Magazine, and this is the first year a specific poetry honor has been awarded.

Also Commits to $500 Million in Incremental Financing in Minority Communities

Vermont Business Magazine Citizens Financial Group, Inc, [NYSE: CFG], with bank branches in Vermont, has announced a $10 million commitment to promote social equity and drive economic advancement in underserved communities. This new investment will harness the bank’s resources, expertise and the unique strengths of its culture to help drive real and lasting progress across the communities it serves. It will build upon Citizens’ already strong efforts in these areas, as evidenced by the company’s “Outstanding” Community Reinvestment Act rating.

by Eric Booth and Paul Gambill Look at a particular artwork with others and personal opinions and positions arise; join in making an artwork with others and connections bloom. The state of our union is jumbled, tense with differing opinions and opposed positions—our strengths disoriented, our consciousness of unacceptable systemic oppressions rising. But the power of our democracy remembers itself, regains its strength, when together we start making things we care about and imagining what can be.

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VSO) today announces that following an extensive national and international search, Elise Brunelle has been named as the organization’s new executive director. Brunelle comes to the VSO from South Africa, where she led the country’s largest non-profit performing arts organization, Cape Town Opera, for 16 years — most recently as managing director and previously as fundraiser and financial manager.

Vermont Public Radio will make changes to its schedules beginning the week of June 29, broadening its music lineup with more local programming and new shows.

Vermont Business Magazine Back on March 2nd, just prior to the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Vermont-based Pete’s RV Center officially assumed ownership of Gayle Kline RV in Mountville, PA. A well-respected business since 1963, Gayle Kline served customers from all over central Pennsylvania. Starting out on just a half-acre site, over the years, it grew to its current 16-acre lot with separate buildings for sales, parts & accessories, and 8-bay service center.